Attende Domine

The music was lovely this evening and we choristers were complimented on the singing. The main point isn't whether we sung well although the Choir wants to give the best. The main point is that Gregorian Chant is true prayer. It was reintroduced by Pope St Gregory the Great for his monks and as well as being music which is at its heart, prayerful, it is also an aid to prayer for others.

Primarily, this is because you can hear the sense of petition in the Chant, the sense of the penitent's plea, the sense of human yearning for the Divine, even in Latin you can feel it, because of the swift movements in the composition, the lilting and the rhthym, the flickers from minor to major. This is why Chant is so popular in the liturgy, because it creates a sense of the reality, or of our reality, whereas so much modern liturgical music creates a sense of an unreality, of falseness or escapism in a way reminiscent of pop or folk. Anyway, nobody likes a muso, so hope you enjoy the piece.

Attende Domine, et miserere quia peccavimus tibi. Ad Te Rex summe, omnium Redemptor oculos nostros sublevamus flentes: exaudi Christe, suplicantum preces. Dextera Patris, lapis angularis, via salutis, janua coelestis, ablue nostri maculas delicti. Rogamus Deus, tuam majestatem: auribus sacris gemitus exaudi, crimina nostra placidus indulge. Tibi fattemur crimina admissa, contrito corde pendimus oculta, tua, Redemptor, pietas ignoscat. Innocens captus, nec repugnans ductus, testibus falsis pro impiis damnatus: quos redemisti, tu conserva, Christe.

Hear us, O Lord, and have mercy, because we have sinned against Thee. To Thee, highest King, Redeemer of all, do we lift up our eyes in weeping: Hear, O Christ, the prayers of your servants.
Hear us, O Lord, and have mercy, because we have sinned against Thee. Right hand of the Father, corner-stone, way of salvation, gate of heaven, wash away our stains of sin. Hear us, O Lord, and have mercy, because we have sinned against Thee. We beseech Thee, God, in Thy great majesty: Hear our groans with Thy holy ears: calmly forgive our crimes. Hear us, O Lord, and have mercy, because we have sinned against Thee. To Thee we confess our sins admitted with a contrite heart. We reveal the things hidden: By Thy kindness, O Redeemer, overlook them. Hear us, O Lord, and have mercy, because we have sinned against Thee. The Innocent, seized, not refusing to be led; condemned by false witnesses because of impious men. O Christ, keep safe those whom Thou hast redeemed. Hear us, O Lord, and have mercy, because we have sinned against Thee.